KSU to open 'The Fashion School Store'

KENT, Ohio - Kent State has been known for years for their fashion school. The school’s spring fashion show brings in big names in the fashion industry to scout for fashion designers each year.

Starting on Wednesday, you will be able to buy some of the school’s designs for your own personal collection as the Kent State University Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising opens a new retail store, called The Fashion School Store.

The store will enable Kent’s fashion merchandising students to practice classroom concepts through a real-world business. The store will be managed by students, with junior merchandising major Scott Bunner of Parma Heights serving as the store manager and Nancy Stanforth, Ph.D., associate professor of fashion merchandising overseeing as the faculty advisor of the store.

"The store is about the merchandising students and putting their class work into action," Stanforth said in a press release. "They will be involved in buying and merchandising of the store plus the general operation. We hope that they learn how to run a business and make it profitable."

Shoppers will find designs from Kent State fashion students, faculty and alumni including clothing, casual wear, outerwear, accessories, as well as computer bags, T-shirts, pillows and tote bags with The Fashion School logo. Prices will range from $10 to $300.

The store is located in downtown Kent in the newly revitalized retail area known as Acorn Alley II. A public grand opening will be held on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests will be able view the new space, purchase merchandise and enjoy light refreshments.

Reservations can be made by calling Kent State's College of the Arts office at 330-672-2760 by April 13. The event is free and open to the public.

The Fashion School Store’s regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. To contact the store call: 330-677-2419.

For more information about Kent State's Fashion School, visit www.kent.edu/artscollege/fashion.